Alcohol is mainly metabolized in the liver and has a direct impact on the brain and the central nervous system. Therefore, drinking alcohol while using drugs or functional foods can change the effects of active ingredients, and even cause dangerous health reactions.
According to Lindsay Cook, a pharmacist PhD in the US, who conducted a medical examination for the article, many interactions with alcohol do not occur immediately but silently increase the risk of liver damage, bleeding, hypoglycemia or respiratory failure if not identified early.
Groups of drugs that are prone to serious risks
One of the most common drugs is acetaminophen, often used to reduce pain and fever. When combined with alcohol, especially in people who drink alcohol regularly, the risk of liver damage increases significantly because the liver produces more toxic metabolites. People with liver disease, poor nutrition or using many drugs that affect the liver need to be especially careful.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen already have a risk of stomach irritation. Alcohol increases the risk of ulcers and above-mentioned gastrointestinal bleeding. Warning signs include severe abdominal pain, vomiting blood or black stools that need to be treated immediately.
More dangerous are opioid pain relievers such as morphine, oxycodone or hydrocodone. When used with alcohol, the risk of respiratory suppression increases sharply, which can lead to death, even when used at the correct dose. Signs such as difficulty waking up, slow breathing, and purple lips are emergency conditions.
Mood relievers, anticoagulants and blood sugar disorders
Benzodiazepines, sleep aids, and muscle relaxants can slow down reflexes and reduce motor coordination. Alcohol amplifies this effect, increasing the risk of falls, traffic accidents, and respiratory failure, especially when used with opioids.
With warfarin and anticoagulants, alcohol affects the drug metabolism in the liver, increasing the risk of severe bleeding. Patients need to report alcohol consumption habits to their doctors, even when it decreases or increases suddenly.
Alcohol can also cause hypoglycemia in insulin users or some diabetes medications. Drinking alcohol on an empty stomach or in the evening increases the risk of hypoglycemia the next morning, with symptoms easily confused with being drunk.
Antibiotics, herbs and antidepressants
Some antibiotics may reduce or increase toxicity when taken with alcohol. Some medications can also cause reactions such as redness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, or low blood pressure. Due to different levels of interaction, patients need to ask their doctors clearly when starting medication.
According to Dr. Aaron White, an expert at the US National Institute for Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, many people mistakenly believe that herbs are safe. In fact, Hypericum perforatum, also known as St. John's wort, melatonin, valerian root or kava, can increase drowsiness, dizziness and liver effects when used with alcohol.
Alcohol also exacerbates the side effects of antidepressants, while hindering treatment effectiveness and exacerbating mood disorders.
Experts recommend that when using drugs or functional foods, the safest way is to limit or avoid drinking alcohol. If unsure, patients should take the list of drugs to pharmacies or medical facilities for interaction checks and personalized counseling.
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